New NPA Director Terms Frm. Minister Tweah’s Statements as Reckless Outbursts: Applauds Boakai’s Swift Action on Corruption

Monrovia, Liberia – In an exclusive interview with Democracy Watch, Michael Doe Tipayson, the newly appointed Senior Director for Corporate Affairs and Records at the National Port Authority, has publicly commended President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for fulfilling one of his key campaign promises from the 2023 general and presidential elections. Tipayson lauded the President for his commitment to holding past officials accountable for their actions during the previous administration.

During the 2023 elections, President Boakai pledged to ensure that those who abused their offices over the last six years would be held responsible for their actions. This promise has become a cornerstone of his administration’s early efforts to promote transparency and justice. Tipayson highlighted the importance of this commitment, noting that it serves as a crucial step in restoring public trust in the government and its institutions.

“The President’s dedication to accountability is a significant move toward rectifying the wrongs of the past and ensuring that those who engaged in corrupt practices are brought to justice,” Tipayson stated. “This action is not only a fulfillment of a campaign promise but also a vital measure to uphold the rule of law in our country”, he asserted.

Tipayson also emphasised that holding former officials accountable is essential for Liberia’s progress and development. He argued that a culture of impunity must be eradicated to pave the way for genuine governance reforms and sustainable growth. “By making former officials answer for their actions, President Boakai is sending a strong message that corruption and abuse of power will not be tolerated,” Tipayson asserted.

In an interview with Democracy Watch, Michael Doe Tipayson praised President Boakai for his prompt response to the audit reports released by the General Auditing Commission (GAC). These reports have led to the arrests, suspension, and pending prosecution of several officials including former Minister of Finance and Development Planning Samuel D. Tweah Jr., former National Security Adviser Jefferson Karmoh, State Prosecutor,  Nyenati Tuan, Central Bank Governor J. Aloysius Tarlue, former Financial Intelligence Authority Boss Stanley Ford, and others who served in the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) led administration of former President George Manneh Weah.

The president made this decision following the publication of a compliance audit by the General Auditing Commission (GAC). The audit, covering the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2023, uncovered numerous financial irregularities. The report outlines various compliance problems impacting the bank’s operations.

Tipayson stated that the swift action taken by the Boakai administration demonstrates a clear commitment to accountability and justice. “The President’s rapid response to the GAC audit reports is commendable and shows his determination to address the issues of corruption and mismanagement head-on,” Tipayson remarked.

He further stated that these actions are critical in setting a precedent for future administrations. “By acting decisively on these audit reports, President Boakai is establishing a standard for accountability that future leaders must uphold. It is a strong signal that the era of impunity is over,” he said.

Tipayson believes that the prosecution of former officials will have a positive impact on the country’s governance. “Holding these individuals accountable will deter others from engaging in similar practices and will help to restore faith in our institutions,” he noted.

Director Michael Doe Tipayson also elaborated on the broader benefits of the government’s actions against officials who allegedly looted the country’s coffers during the previous administration. He argued that these measures are essential for fostering good governance and improving public morale.

“The decision to go after those who misappropriated public funds is not only about justice but also about setting the right example for future administrations,” Tipayson explained. “It sends a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated and that there are consequences for such actions.”

Tipayson pointed out that the government’s pursuit of accountability will have long-term benefits for Liberia. “By ensuring that those who engaged in corrupt practices are held responsible, we are laying the foundation for a more transparent and accountable government. This will ultimately lead to better governance and improved public services,” he said.

He also emphasised the positive impact on public morale. “The people of Liberia deserve to see that their leaders are held to the highest standards of integrity. This will restore their confidence in the government and encourage greater civic engagement,” Tipayson stated.

Also, Michael Doe Tipayson has issued a strong condemnation of former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah, criticising his recent statements regarding the Boakai administration’s accountability efforts. Tipayson described Tweah’s remarks as “reckless outbursts” and defended the government’s actions as necessary and just.

In response to Tweah’s accusations that the Boakai administration’s actions are politically motivated witch-hunts, Tipayson asserted that the measures taken are in the best interest of the country. “The government’s actions are not witch-hunts but rather steps in the right direction to ensure accountability and justice,” Tipayson declared.

Tipayson called on Tweah to turn himself in and account for his six years of stewardship. “Instead of making baseless and reckless accusations, Mr. Tweah should cooperate with the authorities and provide a full account of his time in office,” he said. “This is an opportunity for him to clear his name through the proper legal channels.”

Moreover, Michael Doe Tipayson has also responded to the claims made by former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah that the Unity Party engaged in massive corruption during its tenure. Tweah alleged that the Unity Party government sanctioned a CBL payment of US$8 million of Liberia’s reserve money to SIB bank to fund the party’s campaign, among other accusations.

Tipayson dismissed these claims as “frivolous and unfounded,” stating that they were only intended to deflect attention from the real issues. “Mr. Tweah’s allegations are baseless and serve no purpose other than to save face by scapegoating others,” Tipayson asserted.

He argued that if the Unity Party had engaged in corrupt practices during its time in power, the CDC administration, which Tweah was a part of, should have taken the necessary steps to hold them accountable. “The fact that the CDC government did not pursue accountability measures during its six years in office should not prevent the Boakai administration from doing so now,” Tipayson stated.

Michael Doe Tipayson concluded his remarks by emphasising that the focus should be on holding the immediate past administration accountable for its actions, rather than dwelling on the alleged wrongdoings of the Unity Party from twelve years ago.

“The CDC government had ample opportunity to prosecute officials from the Unity Party administration if there were indeed any cases of abuse of office. Their failure to do so should not suggest that the current administration should not pursue accountability measures for the actions of the immediate past administration,” Tipayson explained.

He added that the primary concern of many Liberians is to see justice served for the alleged abuses and corruption that took place over the last six years. “The core focus should be on addressing the issues from the recent past, ensuring that those who abused public offices are held accountable, and preventing such actions in the future,” Tipayson stated.

In response to the government’s actions, former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah issued a statement, labeling the measures as a politically motivated witch-hunt. He claimed that the accusations against him were false and part of a broader effort to derail his political career.

“My fellow Liberians, partisans, friends, and family: today a politically motivated witch-hunt has been officially launched against my person, calling for my arrest. Over the last six years, I have been a major political target and have faced falsely devilish accusations, spanning from a so-called 25 million mop-up propaganda through the 16 billion concoctions to so many other fabrications intended to besmirch my reputation and derail my political institution,” Tweah stated.

He accused the Unity Party of engaging in corruption and highlighted an alleged CBL payment of US$8 million to SIB bank to fund the party’s campaign. Tweah also criticised the Boakai administration for turning a blind eye to audit reports detailing corruption during the Unity Party’s 12-year rule.

“Working with my lawyers and others, I stand ready to defeat this witch-hunt and vindicate my reputation through the justice system. In the end, I will emerge stronger and my enemies will be put to shame!” Tweah declared.

In response, Tipayson reiterated that the government’s actions are justified and necessary for promoting accountability and justice in Liberia. He encouraged Tweah to cooperate with the authorities and prove his innocence through the appropriate legal channels.